Union Minister and West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar recently condemned Trinamool Congress MP Bapi Halder for making violent threats during a public meeting in South 24 Parganas. Bapi Halder’s comments, where he threatened to gouge the eyes and break the hands of those who attempted to capture Waqf properties, have stirred significant controversy. Sukanta Majumdar has demanded action from the West Bengal Police and accused the state government of ignoring such incitement to violence.
Controversial Remarks and BJP’s Response
Bapi Halder’s remarks came in the context of ongoing protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 in Murshidabad. The MP’s comment—”If someone dares to eye Waqf properties, gouge their eyes out, and break their hands”—has drawn sharp criticism for encouraging violence. Sukanta Majumdar posted the video of the threat on social media, questioning the state’s inaction and accusing the West Bengal Police of turning a blind eye to such provocations. Sukanta Majumdar further criticized the state government for failing to address the violence and instigation by “fanatical, fundamentalist jihadi groups,” who he claims are using the Waqf Amendment Act protests as a pretext to erase the existence of Hindus in the region.
Murshidabad Protests and Police Action
The violence in Murshidabad, triggered by the Waqf Act protests, led to the deaths of three people, with many more injured. In response, West Bengal Police have arrested 150 individuals linked to the violence. The police have deployed additional forces in affected areas like Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and Suti to maintain law and order. Despite the deployment of central forces, Sukanta Majumdar noted that the situation remains tense, with many Hindus in the region still living in fear, having fled their homes. He criticized Mamata Banerjee’s administration for allegedly turning West Bengal into a “light version of Bangladesh.”
Sukanta Majumdar’s remarks continue to stoke tensions, with the BJP leader emphasizing that, if his party comes to power, strict action will be taken against those responsible for the violence. He vowed that the BJP would pass laws to ensure compensation for Hindus whose property was damaged during such protests and ensure that perpetrators would be held accountable for any acts of violence against the Hindu community.
